Joined: Tue Dec 06, 2005 11:45 am Posts: 1107 Location: Cape Elizabeth, Maine
Well, I can only speak from experience as a G.G. and I loved my courses. My favorite part was the hand's on training, lab experience, and the first hand exposure to all of the different stones.
From what I have heard, F.G.A. is mostly theory and writing and not as much practical experience, but since I've never studied with them, I'm not entirely sure. That may be why their costs are lower than GIA's.
Joined: Tue Nov 29, 2005 11:40 pm Posts: 291 Location: St. Petersburg, FL
gem doc wrote:
Hi Tepidarium,
Hello! Maybe I can help. I completed my G.G. at age fifty. I have had careers in sales, mangement and ministry. I have a college degree in education not science. You do not have to be a Geologist to be an appraiser. The G.G. diploma from GIA is a necessary starting point to begin you career in appaising.
You need to do two things immediately post G.G. education. First find an established mom and pop store that is willing to hire you. If you are smart you will listen more than you talk. A seasoned veteren jeweler has the real world education that you did not recieve through GIA.
Secondly, you need to begin some formal training in appraising. Check out the appaisers corner for the programs offered both distant and residence. Gemology training prepares you to identify gems not place a value on them. I received my G.G. in Nov 04. I have continued my education through GIA in pearls and through the American Gem Society where I hope to become a Certified Gemologist Appaiser by the end of this year.
Be prepared to start out in the high teens and low twenty thousand dollar range as a rookie appraiser. Appaisers with years of experience and formal appraisal training can earn 50+ a year. If you want to get rich look else where. The satisfaction you derive from this profession is the pride of being an expert whose opinion is valued and respected. I work for a wonderful store in SC. Many people have to go to work everyday. I get to go to work.
Being part of this forum will open up a wealth of information that represents many years of experience. If you pay attention and ask questions you will avoid many unnecessary mistakes.
If I can be of any help do not hesitate to ask. We are all looking forward to hear what you decide.
Engage!
Excellent info gemdoc!!!
BTW Aiken is such a great little town...i almost took a job there...Floyd and Green ring a bell??
D.
My brother and I have been shooting around the idea of starting an independant gemological appraisal service. He is an MG from GIA (finished his degree over ten years ago) and an ASA certification. He has 13 years of experience in a mid-level, locally owned retail fine-jewelry store. He has most of the necessary equimpment, and his wife is an experienced book-keeper/office manager.
Does anyone have any experience in setting out on their own? I'd love to share stories/strategies
MG is a Master Gemologist designation awarded by the ASA. If I'm not mistaken, there are only 55 or so Gemologists who have achieved this status in the US.
My brother is a great guy, and he has a great reputation in the gem community. I work in medicine, so I suppose I'll be in the background, but I really want to see him succeed on his own.
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